Leeds United haven’t lost at home since the second week of September.
Leeds United head coach Garry Monk
Leeds United head coach Garry Monk has spoken in his pre-Norwich City press conference, broadcast by the BBC, about the impact the Whites’ improved home form is having.
Leeds won just seven of their 23 Championship home games last season (30.4 per cent), leading Monk to earmark results at Elland Road as an area of concern upon his arrival during the summer.
Things were never going to improve overnight however, but after failing to win any of their first three home league fixtures under Monk, the Whites are now five unbeaten in all competitions – winning four.
Leeds United players celebrate
Already, in league terms, Leeds’ home win percentage has jumped to 42.9 since the former Swansea boss was appointed, while their defeat percentage has fallen from 34.8 to 28.6.
“I talked when I first came in that it (the home form) was something that needed to be improved for sure, as well as other things,” Monk said. “But that was one of the main things, I think to start with I talked about apprehension and a few little details that I felt the group were suffering (from).
“But once we got that first result which I said wasn’t far away at that time, that the group can go from strength to strength.”
It has been so far so good in that respect, although Norwich’s visit in the EFL Cup on Tuesday will pose arguably Leeds’ toughest task of the season at Elland Road.
Graham Dorrans celebrates scoring for Norwich City
Despite the competition carrying, traditionally, less appeal than both the Championship and FA Cup, another bumper crowd is expected – one more reason, Monk says, why getting things right at home was so important.
“I think as well the crowd have bought into what the players are trying to do,” he added. “They’re seeing maximum effort in the games, they’re coming in their thousands, and it’s trying to give them something to be proud of. I think in those games they’ve sensed that.”
Monk, whose Leeds side will progress to the League Cup quarter final with a win, captained Swansea to success in the competition only four seasons ago.
Swansea City’s Ashley Williams, Garry Monk and Nathan Dyer celebrate winning the 2013 Capital One Cup
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